Meghan Markle is reportedly facing a difficult decision regarding future visits to the United Kingdom, as a new security review for Prince Harry raises questions about her previous reluctance to return. The Duke of Sussex has long contended that it is unsafe for his wife and their two children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, to visit his home country without adequate security. This stance followed his loss of a legal challenge against the UK government's decision to remove his automatic right to taxpayer-funded police protection after stepping down as a working royal and moving to the United States.
In light of these concerns, Prince Harry wrote to Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood requesting a full security risk assessment. This led to the Royal and VIP Executive Committee (RAVEC) ordering its Risk Management Board (RMB) to reassess his threat level for the first time since 2020. Sources close to the Sussexes indicate that the reinstatement of armed security is likely after the fresh risk assessment.
The potential restoration of security has sparked speculation about whether Meghan Markle will reconsider her position on returning to the UK. Royal author Duncan Larcombe suggests that Meghan may no longer have a valid reason to stay away if security concerns are addressed. He posited that the "security issue has essentially been used as an excuse for Meghan not to come to the UK in the last few years," and that her true reluctance stems from concerns about public reception.
Larcombe further stated that with restored protection, "there's really no excuse for her to stay away, so she has to be considering doing a U-turn". He believes she will want to support Harry but also faces the dilemma of being away from her children for extended periods. He also noted the difficult position Meghan would be in, potentially having to face public scrutiny and members of the Royal Family she has previously criticized.
The Duke of Sussex has been required to provide 30 days' notice for any UK visit to allow for individual security assessments. The current review was prompted by an incident where a stalker was able to get close to Prince Harry during a visit to London in September 2025, despite him having police protection for one day.
While a spokesperson for the Sussexes has declined to comment on security matters, a government spokesperson stated that the UK's protective security system is "rigorous and proportionate". The outcome of the security review is expected in the coming weeks and is seen as a pivotal moment for Harry's future visits. Some speculate that it could pave the way for a reunion between King Charles and his grandchildren, whom he has not seen since Queen Elizabeth II's Platinum Jubilee in 2022. It is also speculated that taxpayers are expected to fund Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's armed police protection in UK.
